I et a stinkbug yesterday.
That’s an exaggeration. I chomped down on a stinkbug by accident and spit it out.
The thing is, I wasn’t fazed by this, and for a second I was separating out the bits of stinkbug from the bits of mulberry in my mouth (because that’s what the stinkbug and I were both trying to eat), before I said “Aw now, come on, Daisy, just give up the one mulberry and spit the whole thing out.”
My brother was over here one day and was sampling a few mulberries at my invitation when I warned him to check the berries for stinkbugs before he ate them (see how good I am at following my own directions) and he said, “Now you tell me,” and he was a bit put off of the whole idea of eating berries that might have had stinkbugs crawling around on them previously.
Given we are related and were raised in the same house by the same parents, etc., I got to wondering whether I was unusual in my complete lack of concern about bugs crawling on my berries, or other yard produce. Unless it has dirt/sand/debris on it, I don’t wash what I grow. I often eat it right there the moment I pick it.
Even if I just flicked a bug off of it.
It’s one of the pleasures of growing your own food.
On the other hand, if it comes from the store, I regard it as in need of a good wash and often a soak in vinegar water before it goes near my mouth.
I’m aware that there are contaminants in the dust and splash up from the soil, and I do wash greens that have dirt on them, but I’m overall very lax about washing.
What camp do you fall in?
Sorry Daisy, I would have had no problem spitting the entire berry out! But it wouldn’t have stopped me from finding a bug-less berry to eat right after so that I could get the taste of stink bug out of my mouth! I wash dirty stuff out of my own garden, as I can’t stand grit in my teeth, but I will pick berries, beans, tomatoes, etc right out of the garden and eat them just as they are. I too, wash store bought stuff, but my reasoning there is I know what I DON’T spray on my home grown stuff…….I have no idea what is sprayed on the stuff in the supermarket. And it is guaranteed to have been sprayed with some sort of toxic what ever if it is commercially grown. Not to mention all the out breaks of different things that have been traced back to workers using the fields as a bathroom so that they can keep picking! So I guess I am with you…..don’t wash most of my own stuff, do wash most of every one else’s stuff.
I am TOTALLY in the same camp as you – “nature dirt” doesn’t bother me, but “people dirt” definitely does! Have a great weekend!
I think I fall into the Raccoon camp. Almost all fruits (except bananas) and veggies (except garlic) get a bath before eating. I am thinking germ transfer from hands.
I hear bugs are good protein and chocolate covered grasshoppers are quite good.
My dad always said the bugs just add a bit of protein and would scoff at my reluctance to partake.
Amy–Sounds like a wise man. (Who was pulling your leg :))
Sallie–Ha! Yes, all true!
Lisa–Good summary! You too!
Sharon–Yes I think you are in the majority there! But it was such a delicious mulberry. Or it was.
I’m in yer camp too Daisy! I am gross as well……bugs can crawl all over my food….as long as I can flick them off. I too love to eat right from the tree, plant, bush etc. I climb into the mulberry tree and perch and gorge – flicking stinkbugs off as I go. The same with the blackberries….we fight over them. I love tomatoes fresh in the garden after just picking….I don’t even bring the salt shaker. I’ve found that if the bugs find it tasty it must be!! Now if it’s commercial produce, I’m not so inclined. It all has to be washed and debugged, and like Lisa, rid of all ‘people dirt’. In my garden tho, it’s all good.
Oh, how I enjoyed this! I had to giggle about the “Raccoon Camper” as I could envision the writer dunking her food in and out of water. You won’t find me in that camp. I so enjoy walking about the yard munching on stuff. No concern is given to the bugs that may or may not have crawled on and even tasted little samples of whatever. If there is obvious grit on something I MIGHT wash it off if a hose is conveniently running nearby. Otherwise, I’ll brush it off, or rub it on my skirt, or whatever is handy. The only exception is partially slug eaten strawberries. I can’t eat those whole. Instead, I’ll eat around the pest damage, but won’t consume where those guys have taken their chunk.
I agree that clean dirt just isn’t an issue, and consider it even to be good for ya! When it comes to grocery store produce, yes, I usually give those a rinse, but have been known to eat some unwashed, especially if in a hurry to put together my lunch bag. I’m famous for just tossing in a store apple. Haven’t died yet. I guess I fall into the “Very Casual” camp. BTW, I too, crunched on a stinkbug recently. Didn’t freak out, but didn’t especially enjoy it.
Barbara–Go Team Gross! 😛
Virginia–Haha, yes, I’d never thought of the raccoon analogy, but it’s hilarious. And glad to find a fellow stinkbug cruncher. I’m with you on the slugberries–there’s something unappetizing about those but they’re worth eating around.
I’m very casual about things. If I see something, I’ll rub or flick it off, but I don’t wash things unless they make it into the house. I’m the one who if I happen to drop food on the floor, the 5-second rule applies (unless it’s wet food, of course). A little dirt is good for ya.
[I et a stinkbug yesterday.]
ack…ack…gag … Not gross, just grossed out. ‘dat would make me toss the cookies.
You got a strong tummy 🙂
You remind me of my uncle … would cook up burgers and dog’s on a big chunk of stainless steel over the outdoor fire. At the edge of the lake in spring, we get these things called “shad flies”. Don’t bite just sort of stick to you (and the ground and buildings and anything it encounters). Got fed one of those burgers with shad flies on it one day … I squealed (well, I was 13) and he says … “won’t hurt ya none, just a little more protein. Go’wan an’ et it up child” (just like that, yep). Never ate another bite off that stainless steel. Hahaha.
I can eat dirt no problem (not on purpose), veggies while I’m picking, or applies and grapes, but not bugs (nor worms).
Like my hubby says “God made dirt and dirt don’t hurt.” If it’s from my garden, I don’t worry about it.
I think there are two types of folks in the world. Ones who will survive the zombie apocalypse cos they can flick a bug and eat a berry and those who won’t survive because everything scares them or they have to make every moment into a drama-fest ego trip. Gonna be a really nice quiet place someday, can’t wait!